Aiiwatani Tomae Japanese Natural Whetstone (JNAT) – Koppa #023

Aiiwatani Tomae Japanese Natural Whetstone (JNAT) – Koppa 

Overview & Sharpening Characteristics

Mine & Strata: Aiiwatani (相岩谷産) Tomae.

Working Face: Clean, uniform golden-buff Kiita tone with a very consistent surface texture. 

Function: Excellent finisher for high-carbon kitchen cutlery, straight razors, or pocket knives. Offers smooth feedback, rapid swarf production with a light nagura or diamond plate, and leaves a refined, hazy kasumi contrast on clad steels with a crisp, toothy micro-bevel.

Condition & Flaws
Irregular Perimeter (Koppa): The stone has an irregular, non-rectangular shape with angled, natural edge cuts. There is a tiny line and off-color spot right at the corner - It does not seem to hinder the sharpening process and returned no negative feedback when tested.

Side Void & Fracturing: two minor chips along the rim - can be easily chamfered down when dressing the stone prior to first use.  

Under-Side/Base Chipping: Edge chipping and minor stepped flaking on the base and along the chamfer line of the back. These do not impact the stability of the stone at all. 

Thickness & Backing: The stone has moderate thickness with a raw, oxidized underside. All sides and back have been sealed with lacquare.